~ Two ladies, wine, and some great books

Category Archives: Young Adult

Thanks to the greed of man, Earth is dying. Climate change and human greed has wrought mass destruction over the planet, and a fraction of the population remains.

The Company Store controls the last civilization, known as the Single Nation Circle. Those outside the Circle are Outliers, outcasts and gangsters who do whatever it takes to survive.

Samuel Poe is the 18-year-old leader of the Poe Boys, the Northern Outlier gang. With resources ever dwindling, Sam knows he must be the toughest of the dogs fighting over the scraps if he hopes to keep himself and his people alive.

When Sam meets Anna Rose, daughter of Mr. Company, the most powerful man in the dying world, he finds himself in a deadly race toward resources and a new life.

Much like those of their ancestors, the choices of the two star-crossed teenagers will echo through the ages, the fate of the human race resting on their shoulders.

My Review: (5 out of 5 stars)

Wow. Seriously

There are some things that are scarier than the mythical beast under the bed that will – and i truly mean this – take you into some parallel world if you leave your feet hanging off the bed – yeah good luck sleeping tonight 😉 kay sorry being serious. The real fear is what will happen in the generations to come with the world.
H. D. Gordon paints a pretty scary sight for us. But its also a warning. A beautifully woven warning within an fantastic book.

Alright so the book 😀

First thoughts: I had never been so scared to keep reading a book, a mixture of what will happen not only to the characters but the world too. I was entranced and in awe over Samuel Poe. What a wonderful character. And such an easily, flawed man to fall in love with *.* It is rare to see a book mostly written in the man’s pov, and ever rarer in my experience to find a YA that is. BUT THIS….this was freaking fantastic! Seriously holy crap…. kay sorry i will get over the gushing – haha no i wont

Plot: This was wonderfully unique in the world of dystopian novels. For once it felt separate from classic ideas that we usually see. It felt like unique book in general. The outside world from the “structured world” was dirty, nasty and really, really, real. All and all this book wasn’t quite what i was suspecting. I am not sure what i was suspecting really but this exceeded all expectations and then some. My heart was racing out of my chest, while I was sitting on the edge of my seat just waiting to see what would happen next. I think i might have potentially injured myself swooning as much as I did because – wow. I think half my e-book was just highlights. What beautiful writing, and wonderful sweet scenes between all the characters.

Speaking of Characters…

I think I have mentioned the star of this book – Samuel Poe – OMG im in love. if it wasn’t sort of creepy but im going to pretend he is my age and i can love him without it being super creepy 😉 okay, ill stop being weird for a moment. He truly had the soul of poet and I think that he was an astounding character. He had flaws and he was quite aware of the fact he was not the hero of the end of the story. But to me he was the greatest human being in this entire book besides perhaps, Liem and Anna Rose.

All these characters were quite amazing with their own ticks and traits that made them all come alive on the pages. I found that these characters worked well together and I loved all ranges of them. Anna Rose was quite a sweet, truly kind hearted person. She saw the beauty in saving the world, and knew the power that she could hold.

The ending:

This will keep you reading up until the very last word and scared of the outcome. Trust me keep with it! I understand the utter fear you will face but it will all good promise

or will it …..

In the end this was a masterpiece, and another winner by the very talented HD Gordon in my opinion.

What if other worlds existed alongside your own? What if you could travel through them and truly escape reality?

Sloan and Harley Glass were born moments apart; but, despite their differences, the sixteen-year-old twins couldn’t be closer. They’ve held their tongues each and every time their mother has uprooted them—often moving across the country with little notice. They’ve learned to accept change. But what is Mom running from?

They discover they’re travelers—half-descendants of those who can traverse an entire universe of parallel worlds known as fractals. When the past catches up, Harley is kidnapped and taken to one of those distant worlds. Now, Sloan must garner her courage and find a way to rescue her sister. Traversing the worlds isn’t the hard part; it’s surviving the elements and the creatures lying in wait to destroy everything in their path.

Will the Glass sisters be able to save the fractal worlds from the kidnapper, or will everything fracture and crumble around them?

My Review: 5 out of 5 stars

Very interesting

Warning One: I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review and honest is what I do. Cool? Cool.

Song Choice: “Murder in the City” by The Avett Brothers, “Forgive Me” by City and Colour, “Madison House” by Christ Bathgate

First Thoughts: So honestly truly going into this I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, five different authors coming together to write one book?! Was this going to be like a co-authored book? Nah they each wrote their own section and continued on with the story being told. Well this worried me too, would the characters suddenly become a lot different from point a to point b to c to you get the point right? I think that each one of these authors did a fantastic job maintaining the same characters and continuing the plot.

Thoughts on Plot: This was totally unique, interesting, intriguing and damn this needs to be a series! Hahaha i know that is a lot to go ask but there was a lot that was pointing to there could be more, but not only that it was such a BIG idea that it needs more books! I loved the creativity here, i have never read quite anything like it. I want to say its scifi but its not quite that, and i want to call it paranormal but its not quite that either. So Sci-para that is what i am going to call it ^.^ I am so curious to the writing process of this book, it felt cohesive but it also felt like the author who was writing a certain section got free reign and took the book there they wanted to see it go from where the first author left off. I think it really made the feeling of unpredictability come through. i didn’t even try to guess what was going to happen – granted there were a few things that i figured out but for the most part I think the switching of authors made it hard to say what one or another is going to do. Alright getting away from that, this was full of adventure, betrayal, secrets, and a little romance *wiggly eyebrows* but it is a YA which is fine with me ^.^ I quite enjoyed the whole thing. So overall great adventure, unique, and fun read.

Characters:

Sloan: She was pretty awesome. I like the unrealizing hero, the one who doesn’t realize how awesome they really are. I really like how she handled situations and that obviously she was very mature for her age. I was happy to see that she wasn’t ready to rush in head first, but thought things through. I think that a twins relationship is hard to do it without it sounding cliche to an actual twin (which I am) and I had to say these authors did a pretty good job. I would probably do all these things for my twin and then some, but I was also like Harley in a sense too, i don’t tell my twin everything – there is a difference i see that – because of their upbringing but all twins have secrets even from each other 😉 I think that her character stayed pretty consistent throughout the book and through the different authors

Harley: I felt like that she was slightly immature compared to her sister but its okay 😉 I think that was a bit harder to connect with her because of the role she played in the book im not upset by this in the least because there were a lot of other characters and trying to push in a little more with Harley probably would have been character overload O.o

Diego: Ummm….uhhhhh mmmm I have mixed feelings I liked him in that he is a geeky sweet boy way but then sometimes he got on my nerves, i appreciate the uniqueness of him, he was definitely a character that you don’t see very often. Which is awesome yeah but there were times i wanted to yell at him and be like – come on!!! He got better by the end of the book truly i didn’t hate him but i am not sure how much i love him. and he has a few little secrets of discover of his own

Calix: I liked him. I was also a little off put by him for a bit of the book when we find out one of his secrets. I think he was a really good character though, he was the sexy, brooding, i am the warrior type which we all love i think 😉

So there were a few other (a lot) of other characters and they were all great. stayed consistent through the book and i would be eager to learn more about Elba that is for sure. Anyways!

The Ending: A very great ending, and while this could be read as a standalone i think the idea of this book paired with the characters just makes you want more.

Ava Paskell is not your normal young woman. She’s twice as strong as girls her age and she has a problem controlling her emotions. When her dad insists they spend the summer together in a small, strange Canadian town, she knows her life is about to change. But one of the biggest life changing moments is meeting Cyrus Carlston. The powerful bond they share from the very beginning scares her as much as it thrills her. As her life is put in danger and she gets closer an closer to the truth, one thing is clear, Ava’s dreams are about to become her reality.

4.5 Big-Red Stars… I’m not obsessed

First of all, I want to thank my friend Becca for recommending me this book This book was superb! So, the book was about Ava (who doesn’t have a clue about her heritage) going with her father, Henry, to the Paskell pack (where their family lives). Henry was part of that pack when he was just a pup, however, because of the strict laws that Henry’s father impose to all werewolves Henry decided to run for his life make his life somewhere else, and give Ava her best chance. They think they will stay for just a few days, but after seeing how the people reacted towards them, Ava isn’t sure anymore about staying even a day.

Ava:“I hate drama with a passion and I definitely don’t go in for love triangles.”
You go, girl! Ava was a pretty cool character because she was down to earth. Of course, she was raised in the “human” world, so her thoughts are kind of different from the wolves’ laws, but that’s what the town needed desperately… A spark to begin the change, and that’s why I like her so much. Also, she knew how to defend herself and wasn’t afraid to speak up how she felt.

Cyrus:
I think that Cyrus was really cute, he remind me of a sick-love puppy. He wanted to change the laws of his pack because he knows women are just as important as men. He wants to fight for equality, and, need I say more? He’s just my kind of guy. Besides, his dialogues about love had me all

Big Red:
Can I have him for my birthday? You could smell his alphaness (is that even a word(?)). I wish he could have his own book because this guy… MY GOODNESS! Swoon worthy all the way. *freaking out* I think he deserves a standalone with Yvonne because they were one my favorite couples without a doubt. I need a book about them! Or more description about their relationship!

Ben and the others:
Well, obviously, I hated them with a passion. They’re all dictators! That’s what they were!

Overall, I really loved the book, the characters, plot, everything! If you like paranormal, a good story with character development, hot-werewolf guys and so on… this book might be for you.

With peace finally descending on the Romanian Grey Wolves, longtime fae ambassador to the wolves, Perizada, has been given a new mission by the Great Luna. But Peri’s desire for revenge against her sister, Lorelle, burns in her heart. Further complicating matters, the great white wolf, Lucian Lupei, has been returned to the pack after centuries trapped in the Dark Forest, and it appears he is destined to be with Peri. Can she put aside her thoughts of vengeance long enough to accept Lucian’s love and complete her mission?

3.5 stars out of 5

Minimal spoilers ahead!

So this was a buddy read with mah gurl, Becca! We’ve been really obsessed with these wolves from the very first book because… admit it, they’re just too swoon worthy to ignore them.

This book was about Peri and Lucien’s relationship. Now, now, if you don’t remember, Lucian is Vasille’s brother who lived for many years in the ‘Dark Forest,’ and Peri is our kick-ass high fae who has been with us from the previous books. Peri was her usual self while Lucian was perfect because yes. Alpha old-fashioned romantic werewolf? Maybe some of you will think that in this book there wasn’t enough Peri and Lucien, but I consider that the scenes were balanced really well. We had romance, action, and the start of a good plot that will lead to many more books about the wonderful world Quinn has created.

Maybe is a little too soon for me to have an opinion about the healers, but I can say right away that Anna, Heather and Jewel (specially Jewel) are going to be my favorites because they’re really down earth, believe in themselves, and are smart. Plus, Heather and Jewel like books so they’re like my spirit animals

I know at this point everything sounds pretty nice and peachy, so why am I giving 3.5 starts to the book instead of the usual 5?
Well, I really liked the story and characters. I didn’t even know I miss Sally until I read her first lines. I think Sally and Costin’s involvement to this installment was really nice because they didn’t get as much attention in their own books as the rest of the characters. Then Sally mentions, once again, the inner Jen stuff that makes me think of the ‘inner goddess’ in 50 shades of wanna-be-plot grey

The thing about the book is that is kind of weird the way they adress the word… Sex Even Vasile who’s been alive for 91829171 years blushes when speaking about ‘doing the deed.’ For me, it seems pretty out of character not only because I believe Vasile and Alina have been together for many, many years but because he’s an adult and there’s nothing to really be ashamed of. If you can write bitch and ass, sex shouldn’t be difficult. My opinion, mine, is that the book would have been better without the several attempts the characters try to speak about sex because it becomes annoying and too childish.

I know Quinn’s books have humor and I loved that in the firsts four books, but there are times that jokes doesn’t function. An example could be the way Peri’s sister (who was supposed to be very evil and stuff) joked. Yeah, I know, she’s only a fae and they can joke just like any human but I just couldn’t take her seriously when she said stuff like that. Plus, sometimes too many jokes can become too overwhelming to the point it makes characters unbearable and reading tedious.

Lastly, there was a scene about a riddle and I honestly didn’t know if to cry or laugh because it was… Well, let’s just say I didn’t like it.

Other than that, I’m hoping to read more books about this author. Quinn really is a wonderful person, and I will always consider her the Wolf Queen. I’m really excited about the next one and I can’t wait to read it 🙂

Seventeen-year-old Raine Cooper has enough on her plate dealing with her father’s disappearance, her mother’s erratic behavior and the possibility of her boyfriend relocating. The last thing she needs is Torin St. James—a mysterious new neighbor with a wicked smile and uncanny way of reading her.

Raine is drawn to Torin’s dark sexiness against her better judgment, until he saves her life with weird marks and she realizes he is different. But by healing her, Torin changes something inside Raine. Now she can’t stop thinking about him. Half the time, she’s not sure whether to fall into his arms or run.

Scared, she sets out to find out what Torin is. But the closer she gets to the truth the more she uncovers something sinister about Torin. What Torin is goes back to an ancient mythology and Raine is somehow part of it. Not only are she and her friends in danger, she must choose a side, but the wrong choice will cost Raine her life

2.5 or 3 Stars

This was another buddy read with my fabulous and kick-ass friend Becca This isn’t our first book about paranormal romance, magic, YA or love triangles, just so you know…and we had, almost all the time, something to rant about. It was sad because we thought we would really like it, after all, who doesn’t like magic? I mean, is magic! However, the magic wasn’t the problem here, it was the characters without a doubt.

Raine with an E: From the beginning, I didn’t like her! I constantly killed her in my mind because of her behavior toward Torin and her confusing feelings (about pretty much everything): “What is Torin doing with those bitches!? I’ll kill them, but why do I want to kill them? I don’t understand my body’s reaction! Eirik kiss me now,”(I might have changed a little bit how she felt, but that’s basically what I imagined when I read what was in Raine’s mind).
Plus, I didn’t like Raine’s lack of curiosity about what was really happening. Oh, so you want normal. Well honey, there isn’t normal in your life anymore Put on your big-girl panties and affront the world you live in because if you run things will, for sure, get worse.

SPOILER! I can’t believe she flirted and kissed Tori before “breaking up” with Eirik. That’s a big no, girl! Get your priorities straight. END OF SPOILER

Eirik: Do you remember that guy? Probably no because he’s all grown up since he played Colin Creevey in Harry Potter…but if you still don’t remember here’s a gif: That’s how, kind of, Eirik looks in my head because both are obsessed over cameras and photography. However, while the little kid was cute and funny; Eirik was just…awkward We know from the start that he was Raine’s best friend since they were little, his parents didn’t take care of him and he, usually, spent more time in Raine’s house than in his own. Since Raine and him were very close they thought (especially Raine) that they had to be together forever as a couple. I, personally, don’t think that BFF position have to, with time, escalate to something romantic. Nevertheless, most YA books portrayed this as something obvious (even thought, most of the time, the female character ends up with another after dealing with her feelings). I just see it as a very repetitive formula. Plus, when I read about Eirik I felt like I was reading about the definition of awkward in my dictionary (if he had a face they should put his picture right there).

Cora: She’s a blogger, liked tons of boys, had a crush on Eirik, was popular, liked make up and dresses…did I mention she’s a blogger?

Torin: I, absolutely, LOVE this character. He was, at the beginning a pain in the butt, but a sexy pain in the butt if you know what I mean. Yeah, he’s very pretencious, cocky, and a jerk (on the exterior), but inside he’s just as cute and bad as a kitten left at home without any kind of supervision 😀 I just wished his character had more depth…just a little more.

Conclusion:
I liked the plot and several ideas that, unfortunately, didn’t fulfill my expectations, and I really liked to read about Norse mythology, I think it was fascinating. However, it didn’t caught completely my attention because I’m really tired of love triangles and all the unnecessary drama that comes with it. Plus, the characters when trying to explain everything just used riddles…so, at the end, there wasn’t any explanation until the very very end. Also, I consider that some characters were really bland, annoying and underdeveloped.

Am I going to read the sequel?
I already did it. If you rated this book as 3.5 or more, you will probably like the next one. Nevertheless, if you rated it less, I don’t think this series might be for you.

Eighteen year old Dylan is popular, the star goalie for his high school, and telepathic. Fearing rejection from everyone–including his family–he keep’s his mindreading a secret. The ability has made his life predictable and dull. That is, until Angel arrives. The artistic and unaccepted new girl in town, is an intense mystery to him; even as he discovers he can feel her emotions and experience her memories. Memories so dark, they change his world forever.

Deep emotions and humor intertwine in this modern romance about finding love, acceptance, and strength. “Porcelain Angel” is an edgy, young adult novel. CONTAINS: adult situations and language

2.5 Stars

I don’t know why I didn’t read first the sypnosis of this book! When I started reading this. I though this was going to be like “heavy” paranormal if you know what I mean (wolves, vampires etc etc), but this was more like a romance-contemporary kind of book. I loved the first half of it because you got to know the characters in depth…I even cried a little bit when I discovered things from Angel’s (FC) past (that was truly tough to digest, but I understood her more).

Dylan (Our MC) could read minds…so that’s the paranormal aspect of it. The thing I didn’t like about it is that he started to read minds just 3 years ago…is not like he was booorn with that ability it was just like: “Hey now I can read minds, yay.” So, for me it was kind of random but, at the same time, thanks to Dylan’s ability we know what is happening with the people he interacts with and helps to add more story.

It has its funny moments because Dylan’s sister’s inner dialogues were hilarious, and her mom trying to talk about sex with him…omg I couldn’t even hold my tears of laughter.

The second half of the book, I felt, like it ruined the book for me. What started like a “serious” book with some humor in it turned into a soap opera: Lots of drama, misunderstandings, lack of communication between/among characters until I couldn’t stand either Angel nor Dylan.

In a world filled with people, Gabby is uniquely alone. The tiny glowing sparks filling her mind that represent the people around her, confirm it as does the bizarre inexplicable draw she has on men.

Struggling to find an explanation for her sight while dodging unwanted male attention, Gabby meets Sam. The chance encounter leads to a startling revelation – werewolves are real.

Hoping the existence of something so extraordinary might lead to the answers she is seeking, Gabby enters into a hidden society where fur is optional. There she meets Clay, the werewolf delusional enough to think he has a chance with her. Gabby’s plans for her future do not include a mate, but rather college, career, and then a huge ‘we’ll see’.

Gabby leaves the furry hidden society behind when she moves off to college, but trouble has a way of following and finding her. When other werewolves start stalking her, and anomalies in the sparks she sees begin to appear, she must count on Clay’s help or risk loosing the chance to find the answers she searches for.

4.5 stars

This story is… I’m so happy I read this thanks to a friend!The story: Even though there are like millions of books about werewolves this story wasn’t like any of them (and I’ve read a lot about it).Pace: not too fast or slow.
characters: very memorable with their own personalities which makes them unique. Even though my favorite ‘heroines’ are very tough (meaning they’re fighting most of the time), I’m happy that Gabby was sweet and compassionate but knew also how to defend herself (at least with words), and also knew when to stop those who bothered her *cough* Sam *cough*Romance: Something that is constantly happening with other books about werewolves is that everything is insta-love. This book wasn’t anythings like that. Of course, Clay and Gabby are destined to be together, BUT they spent a lot of time together with each other before really loving each other. The only thing that irritated me is that I wanted to see their relationship after bonding I absolutely LOVE Clay, he doesn’t even need words to make you love him. He’s so adorable you will want to hug him at least one time! (ok, sorry I’m deviating from the point).

I think is not secret that the next book is going to be from Michelle’s (new character) POV. I’m very intrigued about what’s going to happen because now we know that some people -usually women- with similar abilities as Gabby don’t have just one possible mate! I think they have two more…so, why is that? And why do they have those special abilities? So many questions, I hope most of them are answered in the next one.

Mary just wants to be left alone, but the cheerleaders, jocks, guidance counselors, and ghosts won’t stop harrassing her. When a new boy starts school, he surprises Mary by befriending her. That’s a rare thing for the school freak, but her unusual abilities put a rift in their budding friendship when Mary has to tell Shy that his home is haunted and not by Casper, the friendly ghost. Mary has to get rid of the ghost, thwart the school bully, do her homework, and not get detention. Mary’s sure she can do all of that except for the last part.

3.5 Stars

So, this is the second time I’ve read Scary Mary…you might wonder if I did like it a lot to read it a second time. However, the truth was that I didn’t truly pay attention to the story until it got kind of interesting. Moreover, when I read the ending I noticed a few things that caught my attention completely, things that were different from other YA’s and makes this one a fresh reading.

(Scary) Mary:

“We’re going to do an exorcism. It’s a school project for extra credit.”“There she was throwing a ball, and it was floating back to her.”
A teenager who can hear and feel ghost, but cannot see them. She’s considered a freak in her high school because she used to talk with the ghosts when she was a child. I really liked her because of her black humor and because she was really sensitive behind her “scary” facade…the problem was that people didn’t even try to get to know her because of all the rumors created by douche bags in her high school. Plus, she had a cool grandma who was a fortune teller.

Rachel Pillar:

“Yeah well,like they say, you can’t choose your family. Take me for example. Do you really think that I’d have chosen a legal eagle with a surgically implanted stick up his butt for a father? If I’d had a choice, Jerry Garcia would’ve been first, second would’ve been Bono.”“She’d made dysfunctional into an art form. Her hair was a new color every week.”
She was Mary’s best friend, pretty funny, loyal, and freaky…just like Mary. I loved her because she isn’t afraid to tell the truth, and she isn’t scared of being different.

Cyrus Asher:

“May I hang out with you? Is there a formal application process? I have excellent references.”
So, he was this really cute guy who wanted to spend time with Mary even though he heard a lot of rumors about her being a satanist and a witch! He even invited her once to watch movies at his house, but then, Vicky also went to Cyrus’ house and ruined everything because she wanted to play with a Ouija board and the ghost almost killed them (ok, I’m exaggerating…the ghost was just mad). After this, Cyrus stopped talking to Mary and became the biggest douche ever because he didn’t want to believe her and thought that Mary was a freak! I don’t care what happens to him in the other books and, I HOPE, Mary doesn’t end up with him…ever.

Kyle Asher:

“You like to dig up dead people because you can’t find any living ones to hang out with.”“Mary wondered if their parents would be very upset if she kicked their eldest between the legs, after all if she did permanent damage, Cy would still supply them with grandchildren.”
He was really annoying and scary at times, but at the end he was a sweetheart…just read the book x)

Vicky Nelson:

“You wait until I get to school. Everyone’s going to know how big of a freak you really are.”“She was the reining queen of the Shiny people, and she was a cruel queen.”
She was the typical cheerleader who was after the main-male protagonist. Also, she tortured Mary constantly just because Mary was different…and cooler than her.

In conclusion, Scary Mary isn’t that scary, but is a fresh reading from other unoriginal and unnerving stories for young adults.

Harper Madison isn’t like other girls. She has extraordinary powers, but her inability to control them has gotten her kicked from so many foster homes she’s lost count. Shadowford Home is her last chance, and she hopes Peachville High will be the fresh start she needs. But when evidence ties her to the gruesome murder of a Demons cheerleader, Harper discovers this small town has a big secret.

MIGHT CONTAIN SPOILERS

“Ever since I lost my adoptive family and was put into the foster care system, I’d been looking for a place where I could fit in. All I ever wanted is to belong somewhere. To have a family who truly care about me and wanted me in their lives.”

Harper Madison has not had an easy life, she’s been in seven fosters homes in just one year ever since her only adoptive family were victims of a big fire caused by her when she was just 8 years old, and the only thing that can save her from end up in juvenile detention is staying at the Shadowford home (an especial place for troubled girls like her).

At the beginning this book was very promising, I liked that Harper (main character) was strong and different from the other girls. However, when she drank Mrs. Shadowford’s tea everything began to change inside Harper’s mind. She started to act very selfish and sometimes very obnoxious, it just wasn’t the same cool personality from the beginning. I think It was almost like she was drunk, and that exasperated me a lot. She started to worry about her economic status because she couldn’t buy things as expensive as she wanted, so she could fit in with the other cheerleaders. I know this is part of the spell, but I just couldn’t stand her. Furthermore, I was disappointed because we don’t get to see a lot of times how she uses her abilities! I guess in the sequel we can know more.

I didn’t like too much the romance in this book. I mean, she met Jackson for a couple of days (they spent 10 minutes with each other or even less), and then, after he reveals something to her out of nowhere they kissed because she feels a connection. What kind of connection? I don’t know.

I’m not very into that kind of romance unless you give me a very well-developed excuse.

For the positive side, when the story was focused in the riddle part was very interesting. I thought that I knew everything about the mysterious things happening, but I was surprised many times. like Agnes was a real psycho, I thought she was just annoying

Am I reading the sequel? I don’t know because the story is a little slow for my taste, and I didn’t care about Harper or any other character.

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